Empowerment Issue January 2018 | Página 29

MADELIFE MAIN COURSE: Things to do during the meal. 1. QUICK BITES: Let’s get the easy stuff out of the way: Sit up straight, elbows off the table and make eye contact // Excuse yourself when leaving the table // Use phrases like “Please” and “Thank You”, because… manners. // Always pass the salt and the pepper together, even if someone only asks for one. 2. NO PHONE ZONE: The best two things to look at during a dinner are the other person and the menu. Use your phone sparingly, if at all, or try turning it on airplane mode so you don’t feel pressure if it goes off or lights up. 3.BE INQUISITIVE: Ask the server what their three favorite items are. Asking them to explain everything on the menu makes you look indecisive, but engaging their expertise shows you’re friendly and may open up unexpected options for you and your guests. 4. BREAKING BREAD: Break off one piece of bread at a time, butter it, eat and repeat. You may want to butter the full piece or make a sandwich, but please avoid that. See, you noticed that “please” didn’t you? 5. FOLLOW THE LEADER: If you are the guest, avoid ordering the most expensive item on the menu unless it is suggested by your host. Also, wait until your host eats before you do and delay ordering an alcoholic beverage unless they initiate it. 6. OUT TO IN: For formal dinners, think about the silverware on the table as the legend on a map. Each fork, knife, spoon, etc. is a key to what type of food will be served. Rule of thumb: Using your plate as the center, use the utensils farthest from your plate and work your way in as the meal progresses. NOTE: The dessert spoon and fork are usually placed above your plate. 7.EATING STYLE: There are two ways to eat your food with a knife and fork: European (Continental) style and American style. European style means the made-magazine.com | 29